Pens Add Skill, Ink Comrie

Mike Comrie is coming to town. The Pens signed the journeyman Friday to a no-risk one-year deal, giving the team a versatile skill player that can potentially fill multiple roles. Comrie, who scored 13 goals in Edmonton last season, can play both wing positions and center. In theory, he could line up as a wing on one of the top two lines, or center a third line if Evgeni Malkin or Jordan Staal moves to wing. Comrie could also fill a spot on the second power-play unit.

With all the obvious Hilary Duff joke aside, this moves makes sense. First, there’s virtually no possible downside. Comrie signed a one-year deal for the league minimum ($500,000). If he can’t cut it, the Pens can cut him without suffering financially. Second, Comrie is still a good player. He’s scored over 20 goals five times in his career. Third, as mentioned previously, he’s versatile. Fourth, the man appears to be motivated. Comrie, who’s only 30, wants to win – he hasn’t played in a post-season game since the 06-07 season.

So, the Pens have added yet another piece to their intriguing roster. Should Comrie return to his 20-goal form, this acquisition would be brilliant. If he struggles or worse, at least fans will get to gawk at Duff in the Consol Center stands.

And for those of you that might think Comrie is a skill-only player lacking toughness, I give you this: